Nissan's Resonance Concept for Detroit Auto Show Previews the Next Murano

Nissan's Murano is growing a bit old, so it's about time for a new generation. While we previously thought that the next Murano would look like the Paris 2012 Terra Concept, it appears the Murano will be molded after this, the Resonance Concept. The final concept is headed to the Detroit auto show next week.

It's been a little while since we last heard about the new Murano. We originally reported that Nissan was planning on a new Murano reaching showrooms some time in 2014. With automakers giving us glimpses at many 2014 model-year production cars at Detroit, it's the perfect time for the new mid-size crossover to peek out.

The announcement was accompanied by the typical shadowy teaser illustration, which shows a strong, flowing character line down the length of the body and reverse-L taillights that look like an even more stylized version of the Juke's. The sloping roof and angular rear glass suggest that the Murano is going to take a slightly more coupe-like shape than the current, more upright one.

There is one caveat, however: the Resonance concept isn't the first time we've seen a Nissan concept that may preview the Murano. We saw the Terra concept at last year's Paris Motor Show and reported that it was previewing the next-generation Murano, although that car's fuel-cell powertrain and suicide-style rear doors reminded us that it was a very early concept. Squint a bit and the Resonance looks like a fresher take on the Terra-the strong wheel arches and creases above them are still there, albeit with a bit more flare. Still, there's a (very) slight chance it's meant to preview something else, like the new Rogue.

Whichever way it goes, the Resonance will debut on the floor of Cobo Hall next week, and we'll be there to cover it.